Thursday, 19 January 2017

This week: Monday was a special day for RB and me. Emily (our teacher) and our grandchildren had the school day off. Thinking Melanie probably needed a change of scenery, they all came to lunch. Lunch was tailored to the kids -- Grandma Arnold's sloppy Joes on homemade rolls, mac and cheese, and Bing cherries. It was one of those soul-satisfying visits with books being a big topic. RB, of course, keep them filled with coffee drinks. I heard something about sugar and cinnamon (shudder).

Looking forward to: Since our families now have grown kids and grandkids, we like to be at our own homes at Christmas. Craig, Melodie, and I decided that we would wait until January to get together. We meet in Walnut Creek and stay at Oak Ridge Inn. My daddy comes, too, and we have a delightful time together.Thankful for: My father is feeling better. He was so weak and sick last week. He told his doctor, "I have to get better so I can go on vacation." The doctor provided an arsenal of medicine to help him, and each day he is gaining strength.

Praying: I'm praying for a dear friend's son, David. You know if Satan can't get our young people to sin, he traps them into becoming too conscientious about their faith. In a church we used to attend, we had a man who frequently said, "He's a mean old devil."

At my writing desk:Racing towards my March deadline. Carving out time for blog writing and a bit of "fun" writing. I'm trying to make time for other activities and enjoying family. Hopefully, I can break the habit of feeling like I need to accomplish something every. single. minute.

I'm reading: A Book! You know, like the ones you can hold in your hands and turn the pages. I went to the library so Melanie would have something different to read as she recuperates -- came home with two huge stacks. I found a Jodi Picoult book from 1995 I haven't read. On my Kindle, I am reading Ann Voskamp's "The Broken Way." It's slow reading because I like to digest her poignant writing style as well as content.

Of Hygge cozy joy: A little five-year-old, cuddled up to me, sleeping by my bed, and giving so much joy! I love teaching him kindergarten and listening to him read.

Favorite Quote:

Wounds are what break open the soul to plant the seeds of a deeper growth. ― Ann Voskamp

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Friday, 13 January 2017

In our lives: The first thirteen days in January brought celebrating, praying, and listening.Celebrating: When Emily was eleven years old, she received a "best ever" birthday present. Our first grandson, Ethan, was born. Emily and Ethan share a birthday with Elvis Presley.

Auntie and Ethan

Shawn, Melanie, and their teenager, Ethan

Praying: We've spent time praying for Melanie since December. She had a herniated disc and has been in intense pain. God led them to the Spine Clinic and this past Monday she had laser surgery. God has helped her through it all. She's back home, but we are all wondering how we'll keep her down for three months. It's neat that her friends and neighbors have provided several meals for the family. Those of you who know Melanie know how many meals she's made for others. It's fun to see her "bread" come back.

Listening: I'm a news junkie, so I'm enjoying the Cabinet hearings this week. Today, I've been listening to Wintley Phipps. RB was invited to a meet and greet luncheon where Wintley spoke. Amazon Prime has several albums of his music and I've been blessed by his "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," and "Just As I Am."

At my writing desk:I met my December 31st deadline for curriculum a week early. I was so happy. I took the next week off to spend a week with my daddy in Indiana, PA. I did take my computer, but my time was spent cleaning out files, etc.

Thankful for: Living close to my daughters. I had a 5-year-old with mischief in his eyes and a heart as big as the moon staying with me while his mother was having surgery. I was able to attend all the grandchildren's programs. This year they (and Melanie) were in a production of "A Christmas Carol."

I'm reading: "Hygge: A Danish Concept of Cozy and Simple Living." Noah Nielsen (It's free for Kindle Unlimited.) (If you want to see 17 books -- plus a few -- books I want to read this year read: Click Here.

Blurb from Amazon:

"Fed up with the hectic pace of modern day living? Well then, curl up with this book, a cozy blanket, some hot chocolate and learn how to embrace the Danish concept of cozy and simple living...Hygge will allow you to create closer bonds with your loved ones, enjoy the simple miracles in life which occur each day and enjoy the winter instead of dreading it!"

Favorite Quote:It is in the quiet crucible of your personal, private sufferings that your noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given. Wintley PhippsLinked to:Faith Filled Friday

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Meet Pamela

I’m Pamela Kuhn and my passion is encouragement (I call it shelter). I’ve created this space to count postmarks – postmarks on my letters, cards, postcards and happy packages. I’m counting postmarks as a way to continue the legacy of my mother, the queen of mailbox sheltering. I'd love for you count with me.